Gardai restrict access to Phoenix Park due to protest outside Courts of Justice

Gardai restricted access to Phoenix Park in Dublin after a protest outside the Courts of Justice.

The protest was part of the March For Freedom campaign and the Dublin gathering was supported by a former journalist.

The march saw many flout social distancing restrictions.

Gardai restricted access to Phoenix Park in Dublin after a protest outside the Courts of Justice, which was part of the March For Freedom campaign. Pic: Shutterstock/Anton Ivanov

The marches use hashtag ‘#MarchForFreeom’ which was first used by American protesters calling for the lifting of restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus.

The Dublin event was due to take place on Saturday afternoon, however, Gardai closed the Park Gate Street entrance.

The marches use hashtag ‘#MarchForFreeom’ which was first used by American protesters calling for the lifting of restrictions aimed at stopping the spread of coronavirus. Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

They also closed the North Circular Road entrance to the park and turned people away. They also stopped and checked cars passing through the park.

Sky News correspondant Stephen Murphy shared images from the scenes on his Twitter.

The images showed Gardai standing at the gates as well as chatting to people on the street.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana told Extra.ie: ‘An Garda Siochana implemented a policing operation today in the vicinity of the Criminal Courts of Justice and the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8.

‘Gardai interacted with a number of persons, some of whom terminated their journeys and left the area.

‘The names and addresses of other persons were recorded in accordance with the Health Act 1947.

Gardai interacted with a number of people involved at the protest, with Gardai saying ‘some of whom terminated their journeys and left the area’. Pic: Getty

‘The Minster for Health has signed the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) Regulations in accordance with the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020, which are currently in effect until the 05 May 2020 and which set out details of “Restriction of movement of applicable persons” and “Restrictions on events”.

‘In supporting the COVID-19 public health guidelines and regulations, An Garda Siochana has adopted a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Garda members engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce.

‘A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to oversee the investigation of any breaches of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) Regulations on this occasion, and previous occasions, and an investigation file will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.’ Pic: Shutterstock

‘Section 31(a) Health Act 1947 provides for a graduated policing response from a citizen complying with the regulations, to demanding a name and address, to arrest without warrant.

‘A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to oversee the investigation of any breaches of the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) Regulations on this occasion, and previous occasions, and an investigation file will be submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.’

The incident comes as Gardai are said to be ‘concerned’ about large groups starting to flout social distancing rules, including an incident involving about 100 people who fathered outside the Four Courts last month. Pic: Collins Courts

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